Policies

17 April 2012

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The Historic Environment team at Essex County Council works with local planning authorities to conserve and protect listed buildings, sites of historic interest and conservation areas. All buildings and sites are listed on the Unlocking Essex’s Past website, which serves as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the rich heritage of the county.

The work undertaken by the Historic Environment team at Essex County Council is informed by national policy guidelines and legislation. The most relevant documents are a suite of three, all published in March 2010. These are as follows:

Scheduled monuments

A scheduled monument is an archaeological site which is deemed to be of national importance. The protection given to scheduled sites is outlined in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. More detailed information about scheduled monuments is contained on the English Heritage website. A policy statement on scheduled monuments can be accessed on the website of the Department for Culture, Media and Sports.

Conservation areas

A conservation area is an area considered worthy of preservation or enhancement because of features, “the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”. Policy regarding conservation areas is contained within the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.